Fighting for Sight at Wigtown Book Festival

Fight for Sight, the UK’s main eye research charity, has been chosen for the fifth consecutive year as Wigtown Book Festival’s charity partner.

The Scottish multiple award-winning book festival will take place from 23 September – 2 October 2016 in Wigtown. This year marks the 18th annual festival and the 10 day literary celebration will help raise funds for medical research to stop sight loss.

There will be a whole host of authors and broadcasters supporting the event, sponsored by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. The festival has more than 200 events set in the stunning surroundings of Dumfries and Galloway countryside. The Kirkcudbright and District Pipe Band will lead the way for fireworks over Wigtown Bay at 8.40pm on Friday 23 September 2016 to mark the opening of the fair – with donations going to Fight for Sight.

There will be events and debates with authors including: Greta Bellamacina talking about ‘For the Love of Libraries’ and the future of public libraries, Anne Sebba talking about her book Les Parisiennes and Adam Rutherford, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Inside Science, will talk about his illuminating portrait of who we are, how we came to be, and will demystify the fast-growing field of genetics - which will be sponsored by the charity as well as many other activities.

Michele Acton, Chief Executive of Fight for Sight said: "It’s fantastic to have been named as Wigtown Book Festival’s chosen charity again this year. It’s a huge platform to raise vital awareness of Fight for Sight and our pioneering eye research. The festival gives us a great opportunity to highlight the importance of sight. Imagine not being able to see a book to read it? As ever we’re grateful to the organisers and I’m very much looking forward to attending the book festival.”

Check out the charity stand outside the Kist and take part in Feast your Eyes activity promoting the charity’s annual October event, which is encouraging the public to challenge their senses and host a dinner in the dark.

Adrian Turpin, Director of Wigtown Book Festival said: "The 2016 Wigtown Book Festival starts on Friday 23 September and we will be working closely with Fight for Sight to raise awareness of their work throughout the festival as we welcome people from all over the world to celebrate the written and spoken word. During the Wigtown Book Festival the local population swells from 900 to 10,000. Without Fight for Sight many people globally would have lost the ability to read, that's why we've chosen the organisation as our charity partner for the fifth time.”